A component of a surgical retraction system or surgical retractor designed to function as a parting edge to separate the margins of a wound/incision during an open surgical procedure. It is intended to be attached to the frame (e.g., mounting ring/bar) of a surgical retraction system, or may be fixed onto a retractor handle; it does not include a handle. It is sometimes referred to as a variable or vario retractor blade when assembled with a separate retractor handle because it is available in a variety of lengths and sizes. It is made of high-grade stainless steel. This is a reusable device.